Generator to alternator swap. Ford voltage regulator

[IdahoPatrol60]

Well the hot weather finally killed my generator. I found a Hitachi four wire generator at the wrecking yard and I bought a Ford 4-wire voltage regulator and it was a pretty simple install. To get the pulleys to line up I had to mount the alternator on the outside of the top bracket and I had to notch the generator engine block mount so the ears of the alternator would line up with the bolts. I notched the alternator mounting ears just a tad and then I took the rest out of the existing generator bracket that was already installed. A couple of bolts and very simple wiring connections and it's working great. I used the existing generator wires and connected them to the back of the alternator and added a stator wire and ran a keyed ignition wire to the fuse block. The existing amp gauge is working just like it did with the generator and I tested it with a voltmeter and it doesn't seem to make a difference whether the stator wire is connected or disconnected. I'm not sure the purpose or that wire but it puts out the same voltage either way.

[RiverPatrol]

Nice job! A convenient fix for a old DOA generator. You've probably got more amperage with the alternator, too.

[Esteban]

Excellent job. Way to go!

I also use the Ford regulator on mine. The alternator looks at home there.

When you have an alternator, the amp meter is of little use, opposite to the generator case. With a generator, you control the amperage with the regulator. With the alternator, a volt meter is better since you can keep an eye on the voltage at all times. If you install a socket adapter, handy if you want to charge your phone, there are chargers that come with the volt meter included. Very handy.